I purchased a freehold premises in Thames Ditton but still charged rent, why is this and what is this?
It’s unusual for properties in Thames Ditton and has limited impact for conveyancing in Thames Ditton but some freehold properties in England (particularly common in North West England) pay an annual sum known as a Chief Rent or a Rentcharge to a third party who has no other legal interest in the land.
Rentcharge payments are usually between £2.00 and £5.00 per year. Rentcharges have existed for many centuries, but the Rent Charge Act 1977 barred the generation of new rentcharges from 1977 onwards.
Old rentcharges can now be extinguished by making a one off payment under the Act. Any rentcharges that are still in existence after 2037 is to be dispensed with completely.
I am told that my conveyancing solicitors will need to check that the building insurance for my purchase of a house in Thames Ditton. My lender is Tesco Bank
Tesco Bank have specific requirements as set out in the UK Finance Lenders’ Handbook. As of 23/2/2026, the requirements read as follows :
There is lots of information on this site about conveyancing in Thames Ditton but what is your top tip for finding the right conveyancer in Thames Ditton
It would be unwise to be seduced by the lowest Thames Ditton conveyancing quote. You really do get what you’re paying for when it comes to property lawyers. A cheap quote may mean that the conveyancing solicitor is handling a lot of jobs at one time and you won’t get the quality of service and the attention that you need. It is, however, wise to use a conveyancer who has a fixed fee on a no sale, no fee basis. This way, you go into the conveyancing with your eyes wide open.
I have been told by my solicitor that lack of building regulations insurance is required on my purchase. What is the typical level of cover needed for conveyancing in Thames Ditton?
The appropriate level of lack of building regulations indemnity insurance depends on your lender. It would differ for example between Yorkshire Building Society and The Royal Bank of Scotland. Conveyancing solicitors as opposed to members of the public take out such policies.
I can not work out if my bank requires a lease extension. I have called my Thames Ditton bank branch on a couple of occasions and was told they are content with the situation and they will lend. My Thames Ditton conveyancing solicitor - who is on the mortgage company conveyancing panel- called and was told they refuse to lend in accordance with their published requirements. Who do I believe?
The lawyer has to follow the CML Handbook section two conditions for your lender. Unless your lawyer obtains specific confirmation in writing that the mortgage company will go ahead, your lawyer has no choice but to refrain from exchanging contract and committing you to the purchase. We would suggest that you ask the lender to contact your lawyer in writing confirming that they will accept the number of years left on the lease.
Am I right to be wary that 3rd parties that I am dealing with are recommending a national conveyancing firm rather than a local Thames Ditton conveyancing firm?
As with lots of service providers, often suggestions from connections can be most helpful. Nevertheless there are many parties with a keen interest in a conveyancing transaction; estate agents, financial adviser and mortgage companies might all put forward conveyancers to instruct. On occasion these conveyancers might be known to one of the organisations as one of the best in their field, but occasionally there behind the scenes commercial relationship behind the recommendation. You are free to choose your own conveyancer. Don't forget that many lenders specify a panel list of lawyers you are obliged to use for the mortgage related work in your conveyancing.
My father-in-law has encouraged me to use his conveyancing solicitors in Thames Ditton. Should I choose my own property lawyer?
Much as we are happy to recommend a Thames Ditton conveyancing lawyer the best way to select a conveyancing practitioner is to have referrals from friends or family who have experience in using the solicitor that you are contemplating using.
I have just started marketing my basement apartment in Thames Ditton. Conveyancing solicitors are to be appointed soon, however I have just had a quarterly service charge demand – what should I do?
The sensible thing to do is pay the maintenance contribution as usual given that all rents and maintenance invoices will be allotted on completion, so you should recover the relevant percentage by the purchaser for the period running from after the completion date to the subsequent invoice date. Most managing agents will not acknowledge the buyer unless the service charges have been paid and are up to date, so it is important for both buyer and seller for the seller to show that they are up to date. Having a clear account will assist your cause and will leave you no worse off financially.
I have tried to negotiate informally with with my landlord for a lease extension without any joy. Can I make an application to the Leasehold Valuation Tribunal? Can you recommend a Thames Ditton conveyancing firm to act on my behalf?
Absolutely. We are happy to put you in touch with a Thames Ditton conveyancing firm who can help.
An example of a Lease Extension matter before the tribunal for a Thames Ditton premises is Flat D 15 Claremont Gardens in September 2013. TheTribunal determined in accordance with section48 and Schedule13 of the Leasehold Reform,Housing and Urban Development Act 1993 that the premium for the extended lease should be fourteen thousand one hundred and eighty seven pounds (£14,187.00) This case affected 1 flat.